Discover the Interzoo location Nuremberg: The history of Nuremberg gingerbread

Free city of the Holy Roman Empire, prosperous trading centre and one of the most important transport hubs in Central Europe – Nuremberg share a rich history of tales and legends. At Christmas time, the long-time Interzoo location is world-famous for a specialty that is known all around the world: Nuremberg gingerbread. Named after the beautiful daughter of a Nuremberg gingerbread baker, the "Elisen Gingerbread" is considered a masterpiece of the medieval sweets. Thanks to a special recipe with at least 25 per cent nuts and a maximum of 10 per cent flour, the round gingerbread biscuits are particularly moist and soft.

Rediscovered in medieval Belgium following ancient Egyptian traditions, the rise of gingerbread to the Olympus of Christmas biscuits began precisely in Nuremberg. The city profited from its favourable location at the crossroads of the medieval spice and trade routes. Exotic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and foreign almonds were easy to acquire and Nuremberg's gingerbread bakers became an important economic factor in the city with Nuremberg soon being called the “home of gingerbread”.

Although Christmas time with Nuremberg's famous Christkindlesmarkt is considered the peak season for gingerbread, gingerbread baking has long become an international business during all twelve months of the year. Accordingly, Interzoo participants will also be able to taste Nuremberg gingerbread first-hand before, after and during Interzoo 2024 in Nuremberg in May 2024. Gingerbread aficionados might want to visit the permanent exhibition on gingerbread baking at the Museum of Industrial Heritage.

Further information on the world-famous Nuremberg gingerbread can be found on the website of NürnbergTourismus.

Further information on ticketing, travel and accommodation for Interzoo 2024 can be found at www.interzoo.com/en/visit.